13 Feb 2021 20:55:31
Haven't coped with their energy at all. Grealish Barkley and Traore all miles off it in my opinion. All three giving the ball away in poor positions at times and not working hard enough.
Feel like this is a game for Wesley (if he was fit) next to Watkins. Dunk, Burn and White are all big lumps and not afraid to get rough if needs be (Dunks stamp on Watkins was ridiculous, no attempt to play the ball), so they are having a field day with Watkins between three of them, need someone big and strong to give them some of their own medicine.
Bissouma is surely on a tightrope here, 4 fouls no booking despite two stopping us breaking, seems harsh.
Hopefully we can step it up second half, if 10 minutes in we are still struggling I'd probably go for Trez for Traore and Sanson or Ramsey for Barkley.
13 Feb 2021 20:58:53
We've been poor so lucky we're still level but my god these officials are winding me up. You can see the ref even weighing up if he can get away with giving Brighton a throw before reluctantly giving it to us.
13 Feb 2021 21:50:45
Villadave highlighted a few games ago that teams were playing through our midfield, at the time I thought it was just an off night however I now think it looks a little more than an off night, Brighton completely bossed the middle of the park none of our midfielders can take any credit Traoré couldn’t trap cement the ball was pinging off him all over the place, Barkley was strolling around like he owned the place no work ethic, McGinn struggled to find anyone in the same coloured shirt Luiz was anonymous second half and even Jack struggled. The only real bright spot was Martinez again. I do think we need to freshen up the starting eleven for the upcoming fixtures but given Deano’s pre match interview I am not sure he will make any changes. Just as an aside if we lose either Luiz or Nakamba in the summer we could do worse than replace them with Bissouma I thought he was quality.
13 Feb 2021 21:52:33
As usual couldn’t agree more RK.
13 Feb 2021 21:56:58
Why is Barkley starting? Needs dropping. Clearly the weakest link in the team. When Jack is double teamed Barkley should have space but he doesn't.
Why did Smith change his team just fit Barkley in as soon as he was fit. We were playing great football with ElGhazi and Traore, creating plenty of chances. Since Barkley came in performances have dropped right off.
No way would I consider buying him at any price. Dead weight.
13 Feb 2021 22:02:39
If Barkley ran and closed down more like he did before the injury then I wouldn't have an issue. Closing down from the front was our strength but him not running forces the rest to drop off.
I think both him and Mcginn need a rest. Bring back El ghazi on the left with Jack in the middle and Sanson behind. December went well with that combo so for me it deserves another chance.
13 Feb 2021 22:06:42
Johnny that's probably hit the nail on the head and may of caused some disharmony in the camp. Basically sends out the message-even if you play well-when one of the "names " comes back, you're out. I'm a firm believer that if you play well you keep your place. That way its a kick up the arse for the player they keep out and pushes them on more.